The Musical Brain

A Journey of Discovery Into the Mystery of Music

Explains how various types of music affect the brain emotionally and physically and features a discussion with Dr. Levitin on his book, "This is Your Brain on Music, " which discusses how technology can be used to see the affects of music on the human brain.

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Combines two of my favorite things: music and neuroscience! Although I'm not a fan of Sting, I appreciate his cooperation in this endeavor to demonstrate just how fascinating, moving and enriching music is to our human experience. Reading about the neuroscience research is not near as powerful as watching and listening to the information and music.
About half way through the DVD I experienced an awesome epiphany regarding how amazing life is and what a blessing music is!

"The Musical Brain" is an average documentary, though worth watching by anyone curious about its subject. For those who've read Daniel Levitin, there's nothing new, but others may find it engaging. In this CTV show, the musician and neuroscientist scans the brain of the musician and singer, Sting, to see what goes on when he listens to or creates music. Fortunately, the program stays focussed on science, and doesn't venture into social science about which Levitin knows little, but is quite willing to write. The results of the scans are interesting for the sake of science and knowledge, though there's little practical help for accomplished or aspiring musicians. Music and its relationship to the brain makes an interesting subject, so most viewers will find "The Musical Brain" of interest. If you're a Sting fan (I'm neither for or against him), you'll definitely want to see this. The show also features Feist, Wyclef Jean, and Michael Buble.